First, let's see what kinds of hamsters there are. The most common hamsters that are kept at home, we have Syrian hamsters. Such hamsters should be kept one by one, because if you keep a couple or several hamsters, they will fight and fight for territory and food. And the struggle for survival in them is not for life, but for death. But they are very easy to maintain and very easy to tame. Care for them is minimal.
As often there is a Russian hamster and hamster Robovsky. They are larger than Syrian, but somewhat more tolerant of their relatives. If such hamsters live on several pieces from the very birth, then they willingly contact each other. Chinese hamsters are very different in size from ordinary hamsters. They are almost like dwarfish, although they are not classified as dwarfish. For these hamsters, single content is also preferable, although they are friendly.
What should I look for when choosing a hamster? These are some very important things that will guarantee that your pet will live with you a long and happy life.
First of all, carefully consider the hamster's body. It should be free of defects, tumors, fat. A healthy hamster is energetic, cheerful and perky, and if it is apathetic, then there are problems. Well, if, of course, he does not sleep. Although the sleeping hamster should quickly wake up and react to changes. Its wool should be shiny, smooth, thick. Especially check for contaminants around the anus, as this may indicate diarrhea or other digestive problems. The eyes, nose and ears of a healthy animal should be clean and free of crusts. Observe the hamster for about ten minutes. He must vividly show interest in everything that happens around him. Although it is better to choose not too active rodent. Also, pay attention to the conditions under which the animal is kept by the seller. The cage should be clean, spacious, with enough feed and water. And there should not be too many animals in it. After all, if the hamster is kept in normal conditions, then there will be less reason to hurt it.
These are the criteria for choosing any animal. And caring for hamsters of different breeds does not differ at all, except for the condition if you can not keep hamsters together in groups or even in pairs. All hamsters live, on average, about two years. Therefore, you must be prepared for the fact that it is not very long time for him to spend in your society.
Usual sizes of hamsters about ten centimeters. There are ordinary, but there are dwarf hamsters. There is already a matter of taste.
Here are some standard recommendations for caring for your pets:
When buying, you should choose a young hamster. About his age you need to ask the seller. He should not be older than six weeks. And choose a hamster from the cage in which there were no sick hamsters. Since these creatures are very tender and can easily get infected from their fellow humans.
If you do not have plans to breed a kennel of hamsters, carefully consider buying a boy or a girl. In specialized shops hamsters are kept separately from their opposite individuals. If the seller can not explain where the boy is, or where the girl is, do not make a purchase at this store. The whole problem is that because of ignorance, you can buy a pregnant hamster. And then you are provided with a job for breeding.
To keep the hamster you will need a cage, material for its lining, dishes for food and drink, food and water, toys and entertainment for the little animal.
The cage should be large, spacious, where the hamster will have the opportunity to run and frolic. And as you will be more convenient to wash it. Do not buy cells with built-in pipes. They are not practical in use, since their dimensions are too large, and it is problematic to clear them.
The gaps between the bars must be small enough. For you even have no idea about the ability of hamsters to find any opportunity to escape. They use any of your negligence.
To cover in a cage, use sawdust, or, in extreme cases, scraps of paper. But now there are special granules for sale from pressed sawdust that perfectly absorb moisture and odors. But even if you decide to spread the cage of your pet with sawdust or granules, he should be given the opportunity to make himself a mink, where he will sleep off away from your eyes. Toilet paper is ideal for these purposes. You can put large pieces, since the hamster itself will tear it to shreds for building a mink.
The basis of a healthy and happy existence of a hamster is a full-fledged diet and a drinking regimen. It is best to buy ready-made mixtures designed specifically for feeding rodents. They are well balanced, and contain all the necessary substances for the full growth of the hamster. Dilute this diet can only fresh vegetables and fruits. They should be presented in a variety, but not in large quantities. The water must be in the cage all the time. For these purposes, purchase a special drinking bowl. And the food should be in massive bowls, so that the hamster could not turn over and spread all the contents of the cage.
And, of course, take care of the entertainment for your pet. This is primarily a wheel. Hamsters are very fond of this occupation, and run for a long time, and mostly at night. Because choose the wheel is noiseless. Or a sleepless night is provided for you.
Also hamsters like to whip the teeth. All the devices for amusing the hamster will be advised in the store.
And I wish you to make the right choice and have fun with these cheerful animals.